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Matt Wickham is not your average martial arts practitioner. With an impressive 8th Dan Black belt in Karate and a Black Belt in BJJ, he has dedicated his life to honing his skills and mastering various forms of martial arts.

In the Australian Martial Arts industry, Sensei Matt Wickham is a well-known and highly respected figure. His name is synonymous with excellence, as he has built a strong reputation for delivering top-notch martial arts programs.

For over 15 years, Matt has been a pillar of the Echuca community, tirelessly and passionately serving its members. His commitment to his craft and his students has made him a role model to many.

As a coach, Matt leads his team with an open mind, always seeking ways to improve his brand and create the best program in the business. His dedication to staying ahead of the curve is evident in his continuous exploration of the latest methodologies and techniques in martial arts.

In 1987, Matt embarked on his journey as a martial arts entrepreneur. He founded Wickham's Martial Arts Centre, which has since become a thriving hub for martial arts enthusiasts. With his wealth of knowledge and experience in various styles of martial arts, Matt has cultivated a unique and comprehensive approach to teaching.

When it comes to martial arts, Matt Wickham is not just a practitioner; he is a true master. His passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to his students have made him an invaluable asset to the Australian Martial Arts industry.

Tracey Aldridge is a martial arts coach, teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. 

Tracey has been involved in the martial arts industry for most of her adult life. Her pragmatic approach to training has encouraged many students of her school to both support and encourage her endeavors, knowing the good it has produced for many students in the North West Coast of Tasmania. Tracey has taken many years to achieve the skills and knowledge required to deliver a sound program and her approachable personality has made her one of Tasmania's most sought-after coaches.

 Throughout her years in the industry, Tracey has successfully coached and cornered 2 Australian MMA champions, with a perfect coaching record in Australian MMA title bouts.

Maximillian Gusset stands as a highly respected martial artist hailing from Zurich, Switzerland, where he has carved a prominent place in the martial arts community. Holding a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate, Sensei Maximillian's influence extends across two continents, with clubs in both Zurich, Switzerland, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

His martial arts journey began in 1984, and in 1991, he stepped into the world of full-contact karate competition. Sensei Maximillian's competitive journey encompasses a triumphant record, initially through the Seido Kaikan K1 Championships, Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Currently, Sensei Maximillian serves as the Branch Chief for Switzerland and the USA within the Kyokushin AIKO (Associated International Kyokushin Organization). He is dedicated to expanding the reach of this organization in his respective regions. As a full-contact fighter, Sensei Maximillian intimately understands the sacrifices and rigorous training necessary to achieve championship status. He also emphasizes the harmonious integration of Kyokushin Karate with other disciplines to cultivate champions in the realm of MMA.

In a world where perceptions of martial arts have evolved, challenging traditional values of Budo Karate, Sensei Maximillian remains steadfast in his commitment to these timeless values. He deeply appreciates the profound principles instilled by traditional Karate and aims to perpetuate the legacy of his style while imparting his championship skills to the upcoming generation of martial artists.

Currently, Sensei Maximillian is diligently working on organizing a World Symposium of martial arts scheduled to take place in Switzerland in 2023. This event is poised to become a pinnacle in the full-contact karate calendar, attracting participants and enthusiasts from around the globe. For more details about this significant martial arts gathering, you may contact Sensei Maximillian through the Coach Check message service. His unwavering dedication to the martial arts community continues to inspire and elevate the discipline worldwide.

Master Bren Foster, a highly talented and dynamic martial artist, holds an impressive 7th Dan in Taekwondo and is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His extensive martial arts journey encompasses a multitude of disciplines, including a 1st Dan in Hwrando and Hapkido. Bren's dedication to martial arts began at the tender age of 6, where he embarked on a lifelong quest for excellence and mastery.

Bren Foster's relentless pursuit of martial arts proficiency led him to explore various disciplines beyond Taekwondo and Jiu Jitsu. He delved into the realms of Thai Boxing, freestyle wrestling, and knife fighting, further expanding his repertoire of combat skills. Notably, Bren Foster also ventured into the world of bodybuilding, showcasing his physical prowess by securing victory at the Australian Bodybuilding Championships early in his career.

Throughout his martial arts journey, Bren Foster has accumulated an astonishing collection of over 150 first-place medals. He has fearlessly competed in over 200 matches across diverse disciplines such as Taekwondo, Kickboxing, and full-contact Karate. Beyond the realm of competition, Bren captivates audiences with his unique style of board breaking and acrobatic martial arts performances. Renowned as one of the most sought-after martial arts performers, he has garnered magazine headlines such as "Superkicker" and "Australia's Most Electrifying Martial Artist."

The accolades continue to pour in for Bren Foster, as he has emerged victorious in the prestigious "Australian Martial Arts Spectacular" for two consecutive years. This esteemed professional event brings together Australia's elite martial artists to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. His remarkable contributions to Taekwondo have been acknowledged with an induction into Blitz magazine's Hall of Fame as the Taekwondo Instructor of the Year. Currently, Bren owns and operates the Elite Martial Arts and Fitness Centre, a thriving martial arts facility and gymnasium.

In addition to his mastery of the martial arts, Bren Foster has also honed his craft as a classically trained actor. He dedicated three years to studying acting at the University of Western Sydney, immersing himself in the art of performance. Passionate about his chosen path, Bren further refined his acting skills at the Actors Pulse, enriching his repertoire over two years of part-time study.

Bren's acting career has flourished in Australia, featuring prominently in numerous television dramas, including "Sea Patrol," "The Strip," "East West 101," "Review with Myles Barlow," and the iconic series "Home and Away." He achieved critical acclaim for his role as "Jamal," a compelling character in the critically acclaimed Australian feature film "Cedar Boys," where he was praised by Empire Film magazine as a "born star" for his captivating portrayal of a criminal attempting to guide his younger brother away from a life of crime.

Recognized for his martial arts prowess, Bren Foster ventured beyond Australia's shores, captivating audiences on an international scale. He worked with The Discovery Channel, showcasing his skills on the television show "Extreme Martial Arts," and collaborated with the National Geographic Channel for the feature-length documentary "Fight Science," where his martial arts abilities were put to the test against scientific analysis. Bren's involvement as a series regular in subsequent "Fight Science" episodes further solidified his reputation as an expert in the field.

Continuing his artistic journey, Bren Foster embarked on American film projects, delivering standout performances in "Bad to the Bone," where he portrayed the lead character "Donner Bone Mason," and "War Flowers," where he shared the screen with acclaimed actors Christina Ricci and Tom Berenger, assuming the role of Confederate Sergeant "John Ellis."

Currently, Bren Foster and his wife Chelsea, along with their two children, operate Elite Martial Arts and Fitness in Sydney Australia. www.elitema.com.au 

Shihan George Kolovos stands as an icon in the world of martial arts, renowned for his profound influence and transformative journey within the discipline. His story is one that spans decades, marked by dedication, innovation, and a tireless commitment to martial arts excellence.

George's martial arts odyssey commenced in 1975 when he stepped onto the path of Kyokushin Karate. From the very beginning, he exhibited an unparalleled passion and talent for the martial arts. Training diligently at the Kyokushin Karate headquarters, George's progress was nothing short of remarkable. In a discipline where it typically takes a minimum of five years to earn a black belt, George defied convention, achieving this milestone in an astonishing two and a half years.

Fuelled by an unwavering dedication to martial arts and a vision to create a unique martial arts center, George embarked on a transformative journey. His martial arts arsenal expanded to encompass a diverse range of styles, making him a formidable force in the world of martial arts. With numerous national titles to his name in both Kyokushin Karate and Kickboxing, George's reputation as a martial artist of exceptional caliber was cemented.

The genesis of Melbourne Martial Arts can be traced back to George's humble beginnings, where he rented a room at the Melbourne City Baths. From these modest origins, Melbourne Martial Arts has grown into an internationally renowned and independent training organization, a testament to George's vision and unwavering commitment.

In 2004, George made history by introducing Muay Thai to Melbourne through the pioneering fight night promotions known as "Brute Force." His shows attracted fighters from across the globe, including Europe, China, Thailand, and Japan, showcasing the international appeal of his events.

George's dedication to the growth and development of martial arts in Victoria led to the creation of the Victorian Amateur Martial Arts Association (VAMAA) in 2014, an endeavor in collaboration with other leading promoters in the combat sport industry. VAMAA's mission was to nurture and develop the sport at the junior level, leaving an indelible mark on the martial arts landscape in Victoria.

George's legacy includes the annual staging of the Victorian Kyokushin Karate Championships since 1987, a tradition that continues to this day without interruption. Additionally, every three years, he orchestrates the prestigious Australian Kyokushin Championships, a testament to his enduring commitment to the art.

In 2015, when the Victorian Government legalized the use of the cage for MMA events, George once again demonstrated his pioneering spirit by becoming the second promoter to host an MMA show in Victoria. This pivotal moment in Victoria's combat sports history solidified George's status as a visionary in the martial arts community.

Shihan George Kolovos is not merely a martial artist; he is a trailblazer, a visionary, and a steward of tradition. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of martial arts and serves as an inspiration to countless practitioners worldwide. His impact on the martial arts community is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to thrive as he shapes the future of martial arts in Australia and beyond.

Shihan Gavin Samin, a highly esteemed martial artist, boasts a remarkable martial arts journey that has led him to a position of great influence and leadership within the GKR Karate community. With a 6th Dan black belt in Karate, he is not only a symbol of excellence but also a driving force behind the organization's growth and development. As GKR Karate's Assistant Chief Instructor and International Vice President, Shihan Gavin plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of karate training and management standards on a global scale.

Gavin's love for martial arts ignited during his teenage years when he delved into the world of Chinese Martial Art, Hsing-I. His passion for martial arts only grew stronger after high school when he began training in Shotokan Karate. However, it was in 1992 that he discovered GKR Karate, a pivotal moment that set the course for the rest of his martial arts journey.

Since then, Gavin Samin has become an integral part of the GKR Karate organization, contributing his expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment. In 2004, he assumed the role of GKR Karate's International Vice President, taking on the responsibility of advancing both the quality of karate training and the management standards across the globe. His journey through the ranks led him to achieve a 6th Dan black belt, a testament to his mastery of the art, and in 2018, he was honored with the title of Shihan, signifying his status as a revered martial arts teacher.

Gavin's influence extends beyond the training floor, as he has played a significant role in the creation of GKR's teaching and refereeing manuals, as well as the development of various class formats and children's programs. His dedication is also evident in his role as the chief coordinator and Tournament Director of several GKR Karate World Cups, attracting thousands of competitors from all corners of the world.

Shihan Gavin Samin is a true martial arts polymath, possessing exceptional knowledge and proficiency in a wide array of disciplines. Whether it's kata, kumite, kick training, close-quarter combat, strikes, defense, or attack techniques, his expertise is unparalleled. What sets him apart is his ability to convey this knowledge in an engaging and easily digestible manner, captivating and educating students worldwide.

Currently residing in Queensland, Australia, Shihan Gavin continues to travel extensively, spreading the legacy of GKR Karate. His seminars, training camps, and Black Belt gradings are renowned for their quality and impact, drawing martial artists from across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Above all, Shihan Gavin Samin is a martial artist on a mission. His dedication to ensuring the highest possible standards in training and his unwavering commitment to sharing the profound benefits of Karate with all individuals have earned him the respect and admiration of GKR students and martial arts enthusiasts worldwide. As a leader and a mentor, his influence goes beyond the dojo, leaving an indelible mark on the martial arts industry.